The Port of Amsterdam will no longer be involved in the transhipment of coal as of 2030. It will also encourage innovations in the renewable energy field as part of its new strategy.
The Port of Amsterdam presented its new strategy for the coming years — and it includes concrete measures to accelerate the energy transition. As of 2030, the Port of Amsterdam wants to be completely coal-free, which means it will no longer accept shipments containing coal.
According to a statement from the Port of Amsterdam, the coal transhipment volumes have already fallen by 7.5 per cent to 16 million tonnes in the past year, and it is expected to fall by a further 29 per cent over the next five years. Calling the energy transition “unmistakeable”, it predicts that coal will be phased out from the energy mix in the long term.
The port is also actively contributing to the growing momentum behind the energy transition by attracting start-ups operating in the circular and bio-based industries. One example is the project Waste2Aromatics, which explores ways to convert disposable commodities such as paper nappies into valuable molecules for plastics manufacturing.
In addition, the Port of Amsterdam is in the processing of developing into the ‘city’s battery’, generating heat for the city and investing heavily in the production and storage of renewable energy. For example, it will be home to a 100,000 square metre solar array by 2020.
“In pursuing this strategy, we are deliberately and literally making room for the development of new activities and innovations,” said Koen Overtoom, CEO of Port of Amsterdam. “This is sensible from an economic point of view and more sustainable, as well as promoting employment.”
The Port of Amsterdam is the fourth largest port in Western Europe and plays a large role in the transhipment and processing energy products.
Image credit: Port of Amsterdam
